J’cans urged to keep embracing veterans
Published:Friday | November 12, 2021 | 12:10 AMJudana Murphy/Gleaner Writer
With the pandemic creating new challenges for war veterans, Jamaicans are being urged to offer their support as retired servicemen seek to live out their golden years.
Chairman of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Jamaica, Major (Retired) Johanna Lewin, told The Gleaner that although veterans are saluted every day, Remembrance Day – which was celebrated yesterday – is more poignant as it is in honour of those who fell during the great wars.
“Even when the last World War II veteran that we know of in Jamaica has died, we must continue to honour them because they have helped to build our nation. We feel very strongly that our veterans need to be honoured in the way that they are due because they may not have paid the ultimate sacrifice, but others did. They sacrificed and went a long way in helping us to have the freedom that we enjoy,” Lewin said.
Lewin explained that the association offers physiotherapy services, sources hospital beds, and assists Jamaica Legion to fulfil the needs at Curphey Home in Manchester.
Come December, RAFA Jamaica will host its annual treat to provide care packages and bring cheer to veterans who reside at Curphey Home in Manchester and in the Corporate Area.
Funded through donations
Curphey Home is mainly run by a volunteer team and is funded through donations through the National Poppy Appeal, contributions from members of the Jamaica Defence Force and the general public, as well as a government subvention.
Chairman of the Jamaica Legion, Lt Col Andrew Sewell, said that since 1957, the organisation has been caring for the needs of local veterans.
More than 30 World War II veterans and widows are being supported across Jamaica.
“Our mandate now actually includes looking after other service members who would have been a part of the Jamaica Regiment, the West Indian Regiment, and now the Jamaica Defence Force. We are responsible for seeing to the well-being of those who may not be as fortunate as some to look after their affairs and also promoting that spirit of camaraderie among those of us who no longer serve the organisation but who are proud to have served the nation,” he explained.
Sewell shared that in addition to age-related issues, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought on challenges for the veterans.
“The pandemic has brought to the fore loneliness. People have to deal with the issue of reduced income to keep up with the everyday cost of living, and some people, unfortunately, get depressed because they are not as agile and mobile as they were in their youthful days,” the chairman said.
Wreath-laying ceremonies were held at the Cenotaph (Jamaica War Memorial) at the National Heroes Park in Kingston and at the War Memorial Clock in Cross Roads, St Andrew.
How you can help
The National Poppy Appeal is seeking your kind consideration in donating towards the care of indigent military veterans.
Make a donation via www.caribtix.com/poppyappealjamaica, or make a deposit to its Scotiabank Account #8013520492 (Cross Roads Branch).